FlightFinder
Check my flight
No fatalities

Landing Roll Ground Loop Causes Gear Collapse (N1576A)

State College, PA, US

On July 7, 2007, a Piper PA-20-135 (registration N1576A) was involved in an aviation accident near State College, PA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The failure of the pilot to maintain directional control of the airplane. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-06-21Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot experienced a ground loop during landing roll, resulting in collapsed left gear and wing damage. The propeller struck the runway while the engine remained under power.

What happened

The pilot applied light braking during the landing roll prior to performing a 180-degree turn. When he applied braking the aircraft ground looped to the left, collapsing the left gear and striking the left wing on the runway. The propeller struck the runway while the engine was under power and that he was not injured.

The investigation

The investigation revealed that the pilot applied light braking during the landing roll prior to performing a 180-degree turn. When he applied braking the aircraft ground looped to the left, collapsing the left gear and striking the left wing on the runway. The propeller struck the runway while the engine was under power and that he was not injured.

Findings

The pilot applied light braking during the landing roll prior to performing a 180-degree turn. When he applied braking the aircraft ground looped to the left, collapsing the left gear and striking the left wing on the runway. The propeller struck the runway while the engine was under power and that he was not injured.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 7 Jul 2007 Piper PA-20-135 accident near State College, PA?

A pilot experienced a ground loop during landing roll, resulting in collapsed left gear and wing damage. The propeller struck the runway while the engine remained under power.

Were there any fatalities in the 7 Jul 2007 Piper PA-20-135 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 7 Jul 2007 involved a Piper PA-20-135, registration N1576A, at State College, PA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The failure of the pilot to maintain directional control of the airplane.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20070919X01411. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.